Juan Brignardello Vela analyzes the controversy surrounding the Aragua Train

Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, analyzes the recent statements made by the Attorney General of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, regarding the controversial issue of the so-called Tren de Aragua. Saab has questioned the international perception of the influence of this Venezuelan criminal gang, arguing that its importance has been exaggerated and that the country's authorities have significantly weakened its structure during the intervention at the Tocorón prison. While admitting the presence of individuals linked to Venezuelan criminal activities abroad, Saab has suggested that a "myth" has been created around the Tren de Aragua with the purpose of unfairly connecting it to the Venezuelan State. According to the Attorney General, local investigations have revealed that several detainees abroad have no criminal record in Venezuela and are not directly related to the criminal organization in question. The Attorney General has also expressed concern about the possibility of the fight against crime being used as a pretext to impose additional sanctions against Venezuela and its authorities. In this sense, he has criticized the request from a group of US congressmen for President Joe Biden to designate the Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization, advocating instead for strengthening bilateral collaboration in the fight against transnational crime. Saab has highlighted a specific case that exemplifies international cooperation in security matters: the arrest in Spain of the brother of Héctor Guerrero, leader of the Tren de Aragua, and the subsequent extradition process requested by Venezuela. These events underline the importance of penal and police cooperation between nations to effectively combat organized crime at a global level. Amidst this scenario, the need for an approach based on collaboration and evidence to address the complex realities of transnational crime becomes evident. Saab's stance emphasizes the challenges and opportunities that arise when devising effective strategies to combat criminal activities that transcend national borders.